You are most likely well aware of the rules of the road. However, chances are you’ve been driving long enough to have developed some bad driving habits. It’s ok, everyone has done it. Because road safety is especially important during the holidays, when the roads are crammed with happy travelers, here are some reminders on how to stay safe.

First and foremost, when you are making that road trip to Granny’s house for the holidays, you are bound to meet a few drivers who just forgot their manners. Being on the road for any amount of time will undoubtedly earn you a run-in with someone who is in a huge hurry; or someone who seems to have nowhere in particular to go. Either instance can be maddening. Here’s what you need to do: keep your cool. The best way that you can keep yourself and your passengers safe and sound is through clear thinking that isn’t clouded by some idiot driver. Stay calm and keep your eyes on everyone around you at all times.

Impaired driving is the cause of many accidents throughout the country. Driving impaired doesn’t have to mean that you have thrown back one too many. No, being distracted by children is an impairment that can cause you to veer off into another lane. Driving too tired can have the same result as driving drunk. Response times are significantly impacted when you are tired, and you may not watch your speed as you should.

Not watching your speed when driving is a huge issue that can cost you in the end. Many drivers feel more comfortable with a radar detector on their dash or visor. Installing a detector like the Escort 9500ix doesn’t mean you are trying to one-up the law; it means you are taking the proper steps to drive safely. The Escort 9500ix alerts you of potential speed traps and keeps you from having to constantly scan the road for radar wielding officers.

In addition to speed traps using radar set up in vans, there is also an increasing number of safety cameras throughout the U.S. and Canada, including red-light and fixed position speed cameras. As you approach these high-risk locations, the Escort 9500ix alerts you in advance, keeping you aware of your surroundings and driving safely.

Red light cameras are not the only intersection hazards you need to watch for. While you may be a driver who is highly aware of red lights, not everyone drives just like you. It is therefore highly important that you learn to slow down even when you have the green light at an intersection. In slowing down, you allow yourself time to look both right and left. This should be done two times before you actually cross through an intersection. Keep this in mind: the majority of collisions at controlled intersections happen within 4 seconds of a light change. Look both ways anytime you have a green light, even if you are stopped to turn or waiting at a red light. The time it takes to do that could save your life.